Cherry Clafoutis

I’ve gobbled down so many fresh cherries this summer, my fingertips might be permanently tinged pink. I do want to be sure to squeeze in at least a little baking with them, though, before their short season is over. Clafoutis is an easy place to start (especially if the batter’s whizzed up in a blender), and it’s one of my husbands favorites.

If you’ve never had a clafoutis, it’s a classic French country dessert. You start by pouring a pancake- or crêpe-like batter over whole cherries. The batter soufflés and then settles into something that’s more like a sliceable, semi-firm custard. It’s delicious slightly warm or at room temperature, and a little whipped cream doesn’t hurt, either.

As coincidence would have it, today is Bastille Day– a perfect way to celebrate!

Cherry Clafoutis– makes 6-8 servings

Steph’s Note: Traditionally the cherries for clafoutis are not pitted, but in the interest of keeping my smile intact, I pit mine…the choice is yours. You can also make this with other types of sliced stonefruit, apples, pears or even berries.

-Place cherries in an even layer over the bottom of the pie pan. If you have pitted your cherries, and they’ve released any juice, pour the juice into a blender. Add eggs to the blender, along with the sugar, salt, milk, kirsch or brandy (if using) and vanilla and blend to combine. Add the flour and blend just until combined.

– Pour batter over the cherries and place the pie pan on a baking sheet. Bake until puffed and just set in center, about 35-45 minutes. Cool at least 20 minutes (it will fall and settle as it cools), then dust with confectioners sugar.

If you can believe, I’ve never made a clafoutis. But it’s been on the list for quite some time. I love the simplicity of desserts like this. A great way to showcase cherries, too. My local deli has a few imported ones from the USA in stock right now. Maybe I need to take a wander by again ….

This looks scrummy, I’ve only ever made 2 clafoutis before, a cherry & a pear, both times they didn’t work out & they definately didn’t look like yours, I’m gonna have to try this one, it looks fantastic thanks for sharing.